OLC Cancels 2009 Convention & Expo

OLC Cancels 2009 Convention & Expo

On Friday, July 17, the OLC Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2009 Ohio Library Council Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-23, in Cleveland. This decision was unanimously supported by Tom Adkins, Convention Chair, as well as the Planning Committee Chairs – Cindy Lombardo, Program Chair; Andrew Mangels, Local Arrangements Chair; Jamie Mason, Expo Chair.

The Convention & Expo is considered to be the signature event of the Ohio Library Council. However, OLC staff learned last week in a survey of library directors that very few libraries will have the funds to send library staff to this event. In light of the recent developments in the state’s public library funding and the drastic adjustments that all libraries have been making to their operations, the OLC made the most fiscally-responsible route for both members and the organization.

As the OLC moves forward, members will receive more information about how the OLC plans to restructure its education programming to respond to members’ needs in the challenging times ahead. The OLC staff is exploring several different education alternatives, including regional and electronic options. The board and the OLC staff truly regret that this decision had to be made and the OLC’s focus continues to be on meeting members’ needs. The needs of library staff are changing so the OLC is evaluating the best ways to continue providing the services that are most important to OLC members.